U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is backing legislation that would provide $62.5 million a year for community programs aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation among older adults and people with disabilities.
Gillibrand, the ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, introduced the Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults Act with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut.
The bill, also called the SILO Act, would authorize grants to area agencies on aging and other community-based organizations. The funding could be used for staff training, outreach to people at risk of isolation, community-based interventions, connections to social and clinical supports, and evaluation of those programs.
“Older adults have spent their entire lives contributing to our communities, and they deserve resources to support their health and well-being,” Gillibrand said. “The Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults Act will enable direct outreach and community support to seniors in need of connection.”
The senators said seniors and people with disabilities face barriers to maintaining social connections, including limited mobility, lack of transportation and the loss of loved ones or caretakers.
According to Gillibrand’s office, more than one-third of adults and people with chronic disabilities report experiencing loneliness. The release said socially isolated seniors face a 45 percent greater risk of early death, a 31 percent greater risk of dementia and a 14 percent higher risk of Alzheimer’s.
The bill text would amend the Social Security Act to authorize grants and training for area agencies on aging and community organizations that work with older individuals and adults with disabilities. It would also direct the secretary of Health and Human Services to support training and technical assistance.
Gillibrand’s office said the proposal builds on her work around the Older Americans Act and a broader aging plan focused on helping older adults maintain strong social connections.
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